Brits heading to Turkey told to make one 'check' before travelling

The Foreign Office has issued freshtravel guidance for those jetting off to Turkey. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) serves as the UK's foreign affairs ministry and governmental department. The FCDO represents the government body tasked with safeguarding and advancing British interests globally.

It regularly updates the public on travel developments, providing essential guidance before international journeys. In its most recent Turkey advisory, the Foreign Office has revealed details regarding e-sim usage within the country, with the announcement appearing on Gov.uk. The guidance warns: "Access to some e-sim services is restricted in Turkey. Check with your provider before travelling."

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The destination remains incredibly sought-after amongst tourists, featuring numerous holiday resorts and welcoming millions of UK visitors annually. When travelling overseas, countless travellers prefer utilising international eSIMs, though those planning Turkish getaways must now consider fresh restrictions, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Travel specialist Juan David Soler from Holafly has issued an urgent alert to British holidaymakers, urging swift action before departing for their preferred Turkish destinations.

He warned: "Turkey's sudden ban on eSIMs has caught many travellers off guard, and it's vital that UK holidaymakers heading there this summer take action before they fly. eSIMs have become the go-to option for Brits wanting affordable mobile data abroad without the hassle of physical SIMs or costly roaming. But now, travellers will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM once they arrive in Turkey."

The travel expert continued: "To avoid getting caught out, UK travellers should ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated before leaving the UK."

"This means setting up your digital SIM while still on UK networks, and confirming it's working properly before departure. Otherwise, you could be left without internet access the moment you land, which can be a serious issue if you rely on your phone for maps, transport, or bookings," Juan explained.

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Should you decide to travel, it's essential to research your destinations thoroughly and secure suitable travel insurance. Your insurance policy should encompass your itinerary, planned activities and expenses during emergencies.

Do Brits need visa for Turkey?

British citizens can travel to Turkey up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa, whether for tourism or business purposes.

For Turkish entry requirements, the passport must remain valid for at least 150 days beyond the arrival date and contain a minimum of one blank page. It's advisable to verify with the travel provider that the passport and additional travel documents meet all requirements, and renew the passport if necessary.